Garden design

Our clients in this residence in North London requested that we design their west facing back garden to bring a feel of the Mediterranean to the heights of Muswell Hill. The design challenge was that they wished to keep the existing Indian sandstone patio. which although square to the house, drew the eye out of the garden and across to next door.

We decided to soften the lines of the hard landscaping with raised radial planters and a curved lawn, leading to a lower circular soft stone patio in the shade of an established cherry.

Landscaping

We sourced matching mint fossil Indian sandstone for the bench patio and edged the steps with yellow London stock bricks, in sympathy with surrounding architecture. Small retaining walls were built using the same bricks to achieve our levels, since the garden sloped to lower west corner. A compacted, soft yellow decorative gravel edged with stocks formed the seating area beneath the tree.

Planting design

The planting chosen was as Mediterranean as possible to suit the suit the soil and climate conditions of a north London town garden. An established Olive ‘Peace Tree’ planted in the patio casts dappled shade on outdoor dining area. Near to the kitchen, the raised herb beds include rosemary, thyme, oregano, chives and mint, using upright and creeping varieties to create contrast and interest.

Set off against the white painted fencework, a Cupressus sempervirens punctuates the planting scheme and serves as an evergreen focal point. Fragrant Star jasmine weaves through the trellis and will provide a wonderful aroma during the summer months.

All our low maintenance family friendly gardens